Artwork
Roundel
Roundel is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1396 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work's iconography is defined by the direct depiction of these three astronomical bodies, which serve as the sole subjects within the circular format.
Created circa 1396, this anonymous roundel presents a celestial composition featuring the Moon, a star, and the Sun. The work's iconography is defined by the direct depiction of these three astronomical bodies, which serve as the sole subjects within the circular format. While the specific arrangement or interaction between the solar and lunar elements is not detailed in the available records, the inclusion of a star alongside the primary luminaries suggests a representation of the heavens or a specific astrological configuration.
As a painting housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the piece functions as a visual record of late fourteenth-century interest in celestial phenomena, though deeper allegorical meanings or specific symbolic interpretations are not explicitly documented in the provided sources.
History & Provenance
The roundel is an anonymous painting dated to circa 1396. It is currently part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is recorded as depicting the Moon, a star, and the Sun. The sources do not record any earlier owners, commissions, or specific creation circumstances beyond its anonymous authorship and late‑14th‑century dating. Further details about its provenance or patronage remain undocumented in the available records.
Overview
This circular artwork, known as a Roundel, presents a visual quality reminiscent of a stained-glass window. Its design is structured around a central axis featuring two distinct faces, possibly representing celestial bodies, framed by decorative motifs. The piece exhibits signs of age, with its original colors now faded and the intricate patterns along its outer edge showing wear.
Technique & Style
Despite being a painting, the Roundel's circular format and segmented imagery evoke the visual characteristics of stained glass. The palette, now softened by time, originally featured vibrant red and gold hues, particularly evident in the decorative patterns of the outer ring. These worn details suggest a history of intricate craftsmanship and a once-brilliant appearance that has gracefully aged.
Artist & collection
